Mini-plow

ABSTRACT

This versatile and revolutionary snow removal tool operates to almost effortlessly displace the snow from sidewalks and other flat surfaces by routing the snow to either side of the “flared” plow blade clearing pathway the width of the MINI-PLOW varying in width from approximately 42-44 inches. The MINI-PLOW is lightweight and has a specially curved and angled blade with no obstruction on either side allowing unobstructed flow of snow simultaneously to the right and left of the blade. After a slight and short upward direction, the grooves on the blade are sharply angled in a horizontal pattern (as opposed to the conventional vertical pattern); thus, allowing the snow to be routed outward from the center of the blade. The MINI-PLOW is fitted with parallel elongated shafts for maximum stability. It has an angled-bar handle at the top and connecting the parallel shafts for each hand, for added stability.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention primarily relates to a snow removal tool capable of being operated manually and in an upright position with a minimal amount of effort and strain on the person's body, particularly the back and lower back area.

Until this invention, aside from motorized snow blowers, snow removal has been accomplished primarily by tools in the nature of handheld snow shovels, snow pushers and scrapers constructed of metal, aluminum, wood, plastic, etc. Most manual snow tools are bulky, heavy, awkward and cumbersome. Additionally, these tools are physically taxing and can result in severe strain to the back area due to the need to repeatedly lift and throw the snow in most instances, especially in instances where the snow is wet and slushy. Some of the more recent manually operated handheld snow removal tools, particularly such tools with a single handled shaft connected to the top center area of the blade, can be flimsy and wholly ineffective when lifting and throwing of the snow is required.

Snow shovels generally have a blade with a flat leading edge with a curvature as it approaches the back and trailing edge of the blade. Snow shovels typically are constructed with side walls for snow containment during the act of lifting and throwing the snow. The blades are straight across the front from left to right, straight across the back from left to right and straight across the trailing edge from left to right. Most snow shovels are constructed with ribs extending from the bottom leading edge portion of the blade, upward and slightly inward towards the top trailing edge of the blade. The ribs pointed in the direction of the top trailing edge of the blade results in the snow being compacted against the trailing edge to maximize each shovel load for lifting and throwing. Risks of exacerbated heart problems and back strain are commonly associated with the use of this type of snow tool.

Hand held and operated snow pushers are constructed with a flat leading edge, a curved blade and a top trailing edge. The leading edge, the trailing edge and the curved back of the blade are straight across from left to right, typically absent ribs or grooves to guide the snow in any particular direction and in most cases redistributing the snow back in front of the shovel. Snow pushers may be functional under light to moderate snow falls, are not designed to lift and throw the snow and are wholly ineffective in snowfalls of considerable depth.

The task of manual snow removal can be an arduous one. The texture of the snow can be bulky, icy, and slushy, varying in weight and removal may be required under extreme temperatures. Women, children and some older men of less than optimum health may find such a challenge under certain snow conditions too overwhelming and may be ill advised due to health considerations.

Until the mini-plow, the manual task of snow removal is devoid of a snow tool that accomplishes that of both lifting and throwing displacement of the snow with the ease, minimum effort and low physical and health risks of a snow pusher.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

This invention is a revolutionary, easy to use, sturdy, light weight manually operated snow removal tool that requires a very minimal amount of lifting and throwing of the snow. Furthermore, for those rare occasions where this tool may be used for that purpose, it is equipped with an additional handgrip for more effortless and efficient lifting and throwing of the snow. The mini-plow is safe, durable, efficient, comfortable to use and can be operated by those who might otherwise be constricted by the strenuous effort needed for the more conventional snow shovel.

The mini-plow is equipped with parallel shafts connecting the blade to the parallel handle and can be used for snow removal from sidewalks, driveways, and other flat surfaces where snow removal is warranted. The parallel shafts provide for optimum stability and maneuverability of the mini-plow. The parallel shafts bear metal tubular cores with plastic sleeves positioned around the entire length of the tubular core with a single straight gripping position to accommodate one hand position located and connecting the two parallel shafts approximately 8.5 inches above the blade.

The blade has a flat leading edge straight across the front from left to right comprised of a secured metal wear strip made of steel, metal or iron to preserve the useful life of the blade. The blade has a trailing edge that is straight across the front from left to right extending slightly frontward overhanging the bottom portion of the blade. The blade, although one solid construction, comprises a right and left section: 1) A left section that flares back and to the left with ribs directing the flow of snow slightly upward but mainly outward to the left away from the center of the blade and; 2) A right section that flares back and to the right with ribs directing the flow of snow slightly upward but mainly to the right away from the center of the blade. This revolutionary design in a manually operated snow removal tool enables a person to simply walk behind the mini-plow incorporating a pushing and shoving motion that separates, lifts and displaces the snow in a single motion, in a fraction of the time and with a fraction of the effort ordinarily needed to perform a comparable snow removal task.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents a frontal-downward view of the mini-plow blade completely assembled in accordance with the principles of this invention;

FIG. 1 depicts the ribs of the blade in a slightly upward but mainly outward direction away from the center of the blade;

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the blade (slightly flaring back and to the left) displaying a cut-off of the mini-plow handle connected to the back of the blade;

FIG. 3 is a view of the single piece, metal core, plastic sleeved handle with dimensions

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MINI-PLOW

This invention is a pedestrian operated snow removal tool designed for use on flat surfaces including but not necessarily limited to sidewalks, driveways, decks, asphalt, concrete and most any flat surface where snow is subject to accumulate. The mini-plow would be entirely useful and highly effective whether snow fall is light to moderate or under conditions where snow accumulation is heavy, wet and slushy eliminating the need to lift and throw.

The mini-plow is designed and constructed with out-bound ribs to channel the snow upward and outward away from the center of the blade as the snow is engaged. The blade is one solid construction, straight across the front edge of the leading edge of the blade from left to right, designed with a center V-like section separating the curved left section (which flares back and to the left) from the curved right section (which flares back and to the right).

The mini-plow does not have curved side walls as generally included in the design and construction of most conventional snow shovels and pushers. The purpose of the mini-plow is not to contain or collect the snow but to “kick” it out away from the blade as the blade is being thrust and pushed forward.

The mini-plow is equipped with a unique double parallel-poled handle for maximum sturdiness, strength, durability and maneuverability when engaging the snow. The double parallel-poled handle is a single piece secured in place by the blade itself and the single hand grip located approximately 8.5 inches above the blade.

The following are just some of advantages of the mini-plow.

1. Effortlessly plows the snow to either side of the pedestrian operated snow plow.

2. Light weight.

3. Comfortable.

4. Simple to use.

5. Versatile.

6. Economical.

7. Efficient.

8. Effective.

9. Easier to handle than standard snow shovels and pushers to remove snow.

10. Minimal damage and strain to the user's back than standard snow pushers and shovels.

11. Superb performance.

12. Attractive.

13. Safe.

14. Dependable.

15. Sturdy.

16. Convenient.

17. Durable.

Dimensions, Rise, Etc.

A. (18.5 INCHES) outside curve from leading edge to trailing edge

B. (42 INCHES) width from side to side; width of shovel path

C. (14 INCHES) straight from leading edge to trailing edge

D. (9.50 INCHES) top to bottom in flat position

E. (38 DEGREES) angle of handles when shovel in flat position

F. (4.25 INCHES) handles penetration into shovel base designed with “measured stop” for screw measurement and assembly. (attached by two screws per shaft)

G. (0.625 INCH) rib-rise on shovel blade

H. (50%) increased thickness across front 42 inch section of leading shovel edge (approx. 1 inch from front to back)

I. (1 INCH) riveted steel/metal strip attached at bottom of leading shovel edge for sustained wear. (11 rivets to be inset 3.8 inches apart so that steel strip is flat along bottom)

J. (44.25 INCHES) length of handle (total, including penetration in shovel)

K. (6 INCHES) second grip in the center lower area of the parallel shafts to accommodate one hand position located and connecting the two parallel shafts 8.5 inches above the shovel blade.

L. (54.25 INCHES) total height of shovel 

What is claimed is:
 1. The MINI-PLOW is designed to facilitate snow removal, minimizing the need to “lift and throw” the snow as necessary with other conventional shovels;
 2. A versatile and revolutionary snow removal tool with a flared blade comprised of high impact-resistant plastic and a concave construction with the lower front portion providing the leading edge to “scoop” the snow and the upper portion of the construction providing the trailing edge of the blade designed to “route” the snow outward from the center portion of the blade;
 3. A blade consisting of a center upward curved-v construction to split the snow engagement between the right and left portions of the flared blade;
 4. Handle formed by parallel elongated tubular shafts connected at top for manually maneuvering the aforementioned blade;
 5. The MINI-PLOW in accordance with claim 1 has a blade that has no sidewalls that extend between the leading edge of the blade and the upper portion providing the trailing edge of the blade which will enable a free flow of snow outward away from the center portion of the blade;
 6. The MINI-PLOW blade in accordance with claim 2 above will be a high impact resistant plastic comprised of durable graphite and a metal wear-resistant strip secured to the front of the leading edge of the blade minimizing the need for replacement for several years;
 7. This invention primarily relates to a snow removal tool capable of being operated manually with a minimal amount of effort and strain on the person's body, particularly the back area;
 8. This invention is a revolutionary easy to use, sturdy, light weight manually operated snow removal tool that requires a very minimal amount of lifting and throwing of the snow. Furthermore, for those rare occasions where this tool may be used for that purpose, it is equipped with an additional handgrip for more effortless and efficient lifting and throwing of the snow. The pedestrian operated snow plow is safe, durable, efficient, comfortable to use and can be operated by those who might otherwise be constricted by the strenuous effort needed for the more conventional snow shovel.
 9. Effortlessly plows the snow to either side of the MINI-PLOW.
 10. Light weight.
 11. Simple to use.
 12. Versatile.
 13. Economical.
 14. Efficient.
 15. Effective.
 16. Minimal damage and strain to the user's back than standard snow pushers and shovels.
 17. Attractive.
 18. Safe.
 19. Dependable.
 20. Sturdy. 